Flames Always Burn Up
By admin
Today’s apartment renters often find themselves living in a multilevel building. The danger of fire is always around us, and living higher in the air requires a plan of action if a fire ever occurs. Every home and every apartment should have a working fire alarm in every room. And if the ground isn’t more than twenty feet down, a wall mounted fire ladder is an inexpensive life saver. Keeping a medium size ABC rated fire extinguisher near each entry door can help get a fire reduced until the fire department arrives, having fire safety equipment handy can save a life and reduce property damage.
A well equipped fire truck carries tools, such as a lightweight megaphone, that are made to help a fire marshall get to the seat of the fire. Pulling down a ceiling exposes the flames that are above; this tool is known as a pike pole. It is fixed with a sharp point to penetrate, and a two inch hook to catch and pull burning material and sheet rock off walls and openings made to get to the flames. The well known shape of a fireman’s ax provides both cutting and prying capabilities that will take doors right off of their hinges. Ladders are a big part of getting into and out of the situation. The ladder can be a two man hand held or a complex, telescopic truck mounted affair made for high angle fire and rescue work, often in the crowded narrow streets of huge cities.
Never run over a fire hose crossing the road in front of your car! Lives and property are at risk on the business end of the hose. If the fire safe hose is ruptured then the problem grows exponentially and the routine can become a tragedy. If you are confronted with fire and have a fire extinguisher close, Call 911 first, and then use the fire extinguisher pointing it at the base of the flames, fan the powder quickly and evenly.
Use common sense when fighting fire, leave yourself an out, if you think you have done the best you can, get everyone out of the building and don’t go back in! The fire department will be busy enough without having to look for a potential victim first. With the climactic conditions across the country, there are wild fires in almost every state. Being aware of the increased hazards can save lives and property.